[3 Quick Ways] How to Recover Hard Drive Data Formatted

Is it possible to recover data from formatted HDD?

If you accidentally formatted a hard drive, it’s natural to worry about losing your files forever. Fortunately, in many cases, data recovery is still possible. When you format a hard drive, the process doesn’t immediately erase your files. Instead, it clears the file system (such as NTFS or FAT32) and marks the storage space as available for new data. In the case of a quick format, only the file system is deleted, while the underlying data remains intact until it’s overwritten, making recovery relatively straightforward with the right tools. A full format, on the other hand, is more thorough, as it overwrites the drive with zeros or random patterns, making data recovery extremely difficult or impossible.

Once you formatted a drive by mistake, it is better to act quickly and avoid saving new data to the drive. This will give you a better chance of getting your files back. By knowing how formatting works and using the right recovery tools, you can often recover your files even after formatting.

How to recover hard drive data formatted?

This part will share how to recover hard drive data that is formatted. You can choose to use a handy and powerful data recovery tool, use command lines, or recover lost data if you have any backup from cloud storages.

Way 1. Run a professional data recovery tool

AOMEI FastRecovery is a reliable and easy-to-use tool for recovering lost files from formatted hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and more. With its advanced technology, it delivers a high success rate, even when dealing with heavily damaged or formatted drives. The software supports various file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT, and works with over 1,000 types of storage devices.

Its simple interface makes it suitable for both beginners and professionals, allowing users to recover files like unsaved  Excel, PPT, or Word documents, videos, and other Office files with ease. Additionally, the preview feature lets you check files before recovery, ensuring you restore the right data. Compatible with Windows systems, AOMEI FastRecovery is a versatile choice for personal and professional data recovery needs.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Way 2. Recover formatted HDD with Windows File Recovery

How can I recover data from formatted hard drive? Windows File Recovery is also a good choice. This is a program developed by Microsoft to help retrieve lost data from external hard drives. This tool stands out for its flexibility, as it supports various file systems, including NTFS, exFAT, FAT, and more.

However, Windows File Recovery is designed specifically for Windows 10 users. Before using it, make sure your operating system is Windows 10 version 20H1 or later. If you're using a different version of Windows, it's better to consider the first tool mentioned.

Step 1. Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store and install it with administrative privileges.

Note:

• Please type the command: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
• Two scanning modes can be chosen: Default and Extensive. You can select according to your specific situation.

The Extensive mode can be further classified as two modes, Signature and Segment:
• Signature mode: Recover all lost files under the file system using file headers.
• Segment mode: Restore lost files with file record staging specifically for NTFS. If you want to convert FAT32 to NTFS, here's the guidance.
• Here are some switches you can use to customize the recovery task.

•  Please be careful when inputting commands. Incorrectacy can result in serious data loss.

Step 2. Select the Default mode and input the command "winfr C: D: /n *.docx" to search for all DOCX files on the C drive and copy them to the D drive. Press "Y" to proceed. Please remember to replace "C:" with the source drive and "D:" with the destination drive as per your requirements.

Way 3. Recover data from formatted hard drive from Cloud

Many people also use cloud storage to ensure the maximum protection of their data. OneDrive is the cloud service recommended by Windows. If you have enabled the backup feature in OneDrive, you may be able to recover your data from there.

Step 1. Log on your MS account on the OneDirve official website.

Step 2. Scroll down the menu and select Recycle bin on the left side. Find the file you want and click Restore on the top pane.

To sum up

In conclusion, this passage introduces how to recover hard drive data formatted in 3 ways. Recovering data from a formatted hard drive is often possible if you act quickly and choose the right approach. The type of formatting—quick or full—determines how much of your data can be retrieved. Quick formatting leaves the data intact until it's overwritten, making recovery easier with tools like AOMEI FastRecovery or Windows File Recovery. Additionally, if you’ve been using cloud storage like OneDrive, it might offer a simple way to recover your files.

By using reliable recovery tools, following the right steps, and avoiding writing new data to the formatted drive, you can improve your chances of success. To prevent future data loss, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files regularly.